"Oh, he thinks it is a great while; but what is the harm of waiting?"
"Well, how long is it, Christina?"
"Dolly, we were engaged very young. It was before I left school; one summer when I was home for the vacation. I was sixteen; that is four years ago, and more."
"Four years!" cried Dolly.
"Yes. Of course we were too young then to think of marrying. He was home on furlough, and I was home for the vacation; and our houses were near together; and so we made it up. His people were not very well off, but mine were; so there was nothing in the way, and nobody objected much; only mother said we must wait."
"What are you waiting for now, Christina?"
"I told you. I am in no hurry, for my part. I want Sandie to get his ship; and in the meanwhile it is just as nice to be as we are. We see each other when we can; and Italy is Italy; and I am very contented. Unfortunately, Sandie isn't."
"How long do you propose to go on waiting?"
"I don't know. Oh, I don't know! and I don't care. What is the harm of waiting?"
"That depends on what you promise yourselves in being married."